only the good stuff
I've been on a little hiatus, what with family in town for the holidays, Little FTA out of school, and my persistent no good, rotten, bad mood since Christmas. Unfortunately, this was one of those bad moods that kills my muse rather than brings it out. Sigh. I just haven't felt like writing or felt like I had anything to write.
But last night, on the way back from dinner with my husband, son, and believing brother-in-law, Little FTA busted out with a great line. And I thought, That is so going on the blog.
We were telling stories, and mission stories came up. Both my husband and his brother went on Mormon missions, so they've got lots of stories. Little FTA piped up, "What's a mission? Is that like when you go out and find something?" He was thinking of secret agent missions, in the vein of Backyardigans Super Secret Spy or James Bond.
I started to explain, "No, it's not like going on a secret mission to find something. See, Mormons and some other Christians go out as missionaries to try to convince people to join their church, to be Mormons or Christians too."
"Oh, right," Little FTA added in all seriousness, "but they only tell them the good stuff."
We laughed at that, and I said, "That's right. They only tell them the good stuff."
My brother-in-law was a bit shocked, but good-natured about it. "What are you teaching him?" he asked.
"Not to be a Mormon, that's for sure," I mumbled.
12 comments:
That is beautiful. I love it when kids cut through all the b.s. to make something clear. I think you have a good start on healthy intellectualism.
Happy New Year to the FTA family :)
I've been lurking on your site for a few days now I think I found you through the maze of FLAK...I just wanted to say what a profound impact your story has had on me. I have been recently torn apart by my own "revelation" and my verious limbs are now scattered on the floor in front of me and I feel painfully lonely and lost. This post was especially pertinant as my TBM bro just left on his mission. Little FTA'a idea of secret agents gave me a good laugh that I haven't had in a while:)
I've been lurking on your site for a few days now I think I found you through the maze of FLAK...I just wanted to say what a profound impact your story has had on me. I have been recently torn apart by my own "revelation" and my verious limbs are now scattered on the floor in front of me and I feel painfully lonely and lost. This post was especially pertinant as my TBM bro just left on his mission. Little FTA'a idea of secret agents gave me a good laugh that I haven't had in a while:)
But from what my Mormon (former) friend told me, it's ALL good stuff and keeps getting better.
Did she lie to me?
*giggles nervously*
But she still had a crush on one of my (married) brothers
*slaps knee and guffaws*
I was hit by the irony Little FTA hit on by questioning the "secret mission" vein of thinking. Because, really, aren't those dashing missionaries who travel 2x2 really on a secret mission, if ya think about it?
Love it. Every tiem I see the mishies now I'll hear Mission Impossible music.
And I love that you are raising someone who questions intelligently, doesn't just accept the status quo.
i love that kid. every time you say something about him i send a silent wish that my boy turns out at least half as smart and - dare i say it? - discerning as little FTA.
i wrote a post about missionaries tonight as well.
http://ourorganiclife.blogspot.com/2008/01/drive-by-missionary-message-lds-content.html
so glad to see you writing again.
I just wrote responses to all of you and they got lost! Grr!
cv & sideon- Thanks!
musingmeg- Welcome, welcome! I must say both Congrats and I'm sorry about your recent epiphany. Hardest and best things in my life. I really like your metaphor, and find it endlessly fascinating how we all have different metaphors for the same transformation.
mai- It's all good! What could be bad?!?
phoenix touch & becca- If only the missionaries were young Pierce Bronsans, Daniel Craigs, and Sean Connerys.
chandelle- Kids are naturally inquisitive, no worries. I'm sure your little ones will be popping out the embarrassing statements as readily as Little FTA.
lol, that's cute.... even though i grew up in the flock, the first thing that came to mind as a young kid when someone said 'mission' was 'james bond'
and wow, that 'CresceNet' person/group really do/es get around :/
hello fta,
Sounds like little fta trusts himself and his parents. With such a supportive environment I am sure he will blossom in ways that will surprise you.
circus watcher
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